Aside from the lack of voice work–environmental, movement, and ambient sound were there when needed. However, the score is another high spot for rain. As in most games, the music plays off of the emotions that are trying to be conveyed on-screen, but it’s so much more noticeable without all the bells and whistles that this game eliminates. This makes the somber musical arrangements doubly impactful, furthering the emotional delivery.

However, one area that spares no expense is the visual department. This is seriously one of the best-looking indie games I have ever seen. Though the environments can be drab and dull, they are nicely detailed without overdoing it. This made for visuals that seem to function almost perfectly. The cinematic camera gives a variety of visual angles that always support the on-screen “action.” Overhead shots with rain falling all around, pre-rendered scenes, following cameras, and many other angular and cinematic methods are used to deliver maximum impact during appropriate game situations. Additionally, beautiful watercolor artwork fills out an outstanding visual achievement.

The creators of rain have made something special. Its production quality and willingness to remove parts of the standard game formula to bring other parts of the formula to life is truly commendable. It’s not a terribly long game, only 3-4 hours on a single playthrough, but it does offer additional unlockables after your first go-‘round, and it has the appeal of a movie you don’t quite get the first time you watch it--just in interactive form.

If you are looking for a game that’s a non-stop thrill ride, you should look somewhere else. But if you want to connect with a game in a way that you aren’t used to, want to feel something, or just love buckets of precipitation–rain is the game for you. At $15, there isn’t really anything else like it.

ByJoshua Bruce
Video Director
Date: October 1, 2013

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.5

GraphicsOne of the best looking Indie games I’ve ever seen.

4.0

ControlSimplistic controls work near flawlessly and keep you focused on the story, but become repetitive.

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice ActingA minimalist soundscape accentuates the importance of the beautiful score. But, I hope you like the sound of rain falling, because it doesn’t stop.

3.8

Play Valuerain is a short game, but it has a uniquely told story and high production value that make it worth a look for any gamer.

4.2

Overall Rating - GreatNot an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend

0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid

2.5 - 2.9 = Average

3.5 - 3.9 = Good

4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy

2.0 - 2.4 = Poor

3.0 - 3.4 = Fair

4.0 - 4.4 = Great

5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

rain is the enchanting tale of a boy who chases after a girl with an invisible silhouette. After discovering that the girl is being hunted by ghostly creatures, he embarks on his own journey into the mysterious world of rain to save her. Upon entering the world he discovers that he has also become invisible and he must learn to navigate through the unknown, using the rain to guide and protect him.

Throughout rain, players control the invisible boy, leveraging the unique ability to appear in the rain and disappear under cover to advance through the storyline. However, just like in the real world, players must understand that at times what they are able to see isn’t everything and they must use their imagination to interact with the environment and solve puzzles, and to help them along their journey to safety.

The world of rain is shaped by introducing a unique and harmonious blend of vivid fantasy artwork and realistic images. Combined with the expressive sound of falling rain, splashing water and the reflective nature of puddles as the invisible boy passes through, the game is designed to awaken the sense of uncertainty and solitude inherent in every player.